Water and Sanitation Coordinator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Water and Sanitation Coordinator. A Water and Sanitation Coordinator plans, organises, directs, controls, promotes, facilitates, and coordinates the implementation of water, sanitation, health and hygiene programmes and projects to meet social and technical requirements. A qualified learner will be able to: • Investigate community needs in relation to sanitation and water-related services and practices. • Develop community engagement structures for planning and implementation of Sanitation, Hygiene and Water (SHAW) programmes and projects. • Plan and coordinate the implementation of SHAW programmes and projects at a community level. • Promote the implementation of SHAW programmes and projects. • Review or develop SHAW programme guidelines. The qualification will and create career opportunities for water and sanitation practitioners allowing career pathing to qualifying learners to water and sanitation related occupations such as Water and Sanitation Programme Manager, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Advisor or Environmental Specialist.

Water borne diseases are major killers in society and effective intervention can reduce the spread of disease, alleviate suffering, and ultimately save lives. Preventing public health problems by coordinating pre-emptive measures adds value to government initiatives and enhances inter-governmental cooperation to address socio-economic problems relating to water and sanitation. The qualification reflects the needs expressed by the sector and has been developed to enhance the quality of education and training in water and sanitation field. There are many people in South Africa who lack access to clean, drinkable water. Good hygiene practices are an essential part of daily life, and this qualification will benefit the society especially in low-income settings such as rural and semi-rural areas as well as those living in urban areas facing water and sanitation challenges in informal settlements. It will provide the intended learners with competencies to oversee the implementation of community water, health and sanitation programmes and projects to address massive backlogs, especially in rural and remote communities by coordinating, facilitating and promoting good hygiene in the communities and educating them in ways to protect themselves and their families from ill-health. The provision of water supply, sanitation and wastewater services will generate substantial benefits for public health, the economy, and the environment. The qualification will benefit this country's economy as developed countries including World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will be encouraged to make substantial investments to improve access to water reducing water-borne diseases, sanitation and hygiene in South Africa. The education and training of communities by Water and Sanitation Coordinators will promote the people's health enabling them to be productive and contribute to the economy of the country adding value to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The qualification will also benefit the South African economy as the provision of safe, clean water, sanitation and good health practices will prevent diseases, illnesses and saving lives of the South African communities due to poor health and hygiene thus reducing unnecessary costs for healthcare. Qualifying learners will be able to coordinate, plan and implement programmes and oversee water, sanitation, and hygiene programmes through all stages of the project management and empower people to gain access to safe,clean water, sanitation and hygiene practices to improve the sustainability of community and environmental health, health and hygiene. Currently there is/are no similar qualification(s) registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). In addition, there is no licensing or registration with a professional/regulatory body required for graduates to practice in the occupation at the time of development of this qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from modules through RPL. • Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. • RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 4 with Communication and Mathematics.

• Analyse and apply current sanitation and water strategies and plans regarding water services and resources protection (15%).
• Conduct community-based research on sanitation and waste management services and practice, (15%).
• Plan and coordinate the implementation of SHAW programmes and projects (30%).
• Establish community engagement structures for the promotion, facilitation, and coordination of the implementation of SHAW programmes and projects (15%).
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and performance of SHAW programmes and project implementation for specific community setting (25%).